Israel is challenging the “integrity and authority” of the UN with its attacks on peacekeeper posts in Lebanon, according to Senator Tom Clonan.
Israeli tanks forced entry to a UNIFIL base in South Lebanon yesterday morning, in a “further flagrant violation of international law”.
UNIFIL said two IDF tanks broke down the main gate and forcibly entered the position in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Later, several rounds were fired 100 metres north of the position.
Fifteen peacekeepers suffered effects from smoke emitted from the rounds, including skin irritations and gastrointestinal issues.
On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, security expert and Senator Tom Clonan said relations between Israel and the UN are now ‘as bad as they have ever been’.
In a statement online, the Irish Defence Forces said all Ireland’s peacekeepers in the region are “accounted for and well” – with the situation around Irish positions currently relatively calm.
Senator Clonan warned, however, that Israel’s actions show its lack of respect for international law.
“This is a challenge to the rules-based international order and the integrity and authority of the United Nations,” he said.
UN response
UNIFIL has requested an explanation from the IDF in relation to both the forced entry and other “shocking violations” that have limited peacekeeper movements.
A statement by UNIFIL described these actions as a “further flagrant violation of international law and Security Council resolution”.
Senator Clonan said: “Netanyahu is now trying to get the international community out of Lebanon, literally at gunpoint, in order that the Israelis have free reign."
War crimes
Senator Clonan said that both sides have broken the laws of armed conflict and have both committed war crimes.
He warned, however, that Israel’s actions in recent days are not isolated incidents.
“This isn’t just the isolated actions of Israeli commanders on the ground, this is an official, political and military strategy,” he said.
“They fully intend to do in Lebanon what they did, and what they continue to do in Gaza,” said Senator Clonan.
Speaking at an EU Foreign Minister's Meeting in Brussels this morning, the Tánaiste Micheál Martin accused Israel of trying to drive 'eyes and ears' out of South Lebanon.
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